FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most — tap one to open it.
I attended a previous Rails World. Does my old account still work?
No, this is a brand-new app for 2026 with a fresh database, so accounts and passwords from previous years won't carry over. Just create a new account to sign in; it only takes a moment.
How do I reset my password?
On the sign-in screen, tap Forgot password and we'll email you a reset link. No account yet? Create one instead.
How do I build my schedule?
Open any session on the Agenda and tap Add to my schedule. Your picks live under Schedule, and we'll remind you before each one starts.
Is there an offline mode?
Yes. Install it to your home screen and the agenda, your schedule, and trivia keep working offline. Chat needs a connection.
Where is the venue?
The Palmer Center
900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
The main entrance for Rails World is the Barton Springs Road entrance. It is reachable by rideshare, CapMetro or car, and there is a parking garage on site.
Where is pre-registration?
The Line Hotel
111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Tuesday Sept 22 from 16:15 to 19:00. Sponsored by Clio, so there is a drink and a bite waiting for you.
Where do I pick up my badge?
Registration will be availalbe every mornnig at the Palmer Center, from 08:30 on both Sept 23 and Sept 24. Or if you are in town early, you can grab your badge at the Pre-Registration event at The Line Hotel, sponsored by Clio.
Where is the coat check?
In the entry foyer, next to the registration desk. It takes coats, bags and personal belongings. This is a ticket-holders-only event, but please still keep an eye on your things around the venue.
Where is the lost and found?
Any found items will be brought to the registration desk at the entrance to the Palmer Center.
I missed pre-registration. Can I still get my badge at the venue?
Yes, absolutely. Registration is open at the Palmer Events Center from 08:30 on both days. Pre-registration just saves you the Wednesday morning queue, it is not the only chance.
Can I bring a plus one to Rails World?
No, Rails World is badge holders only, and that includes the Closing Party and the sponsored activities. If your partner or friend wants to come, they need their own ticket.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Unfortunately, ticket transfers are no longer possible. The deadline to transfer a ticket to someone else was Tuesday, Sept 8, and our team has already begun preparing and pre-printing badges. We're sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for understanding!
Where can I fill my water bottle?
At the hydration stations, sponsored by Fullscript. There are flavour packets too. If you did not bring a bottle, Fullscript has you covered.
Is food included?
Yes. A light breakfast from 08:30 to 09:30, lunch from 11:45 to 13:00, afternoon snacks, all-day non-alcoholic drinks, and three barista coffee carts, thanks to Fleetio, SerpApi, and Poll Everywhere. Breakfast is genuinely light, so eat before you come if you need more.
I have a dietary requirement. What are my options?
Ingredient cards sit next to all the food and snacks, so you can check before you take anything. Gluten free and vegetarian options are included as standard. If you cannot find what you need, or you have a question about anything, speak to any of the catering staff, and they will sort you out.
Is there food at the Closing Party?
Plenty, thanks to Shopify and Procore. Expect bratwurst, chicken, pulled pork, mac and cheese, sauerkraut, and sides, with a jackfruit option for vegetarians, and soft pretzels, plus beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes. Every session is recorded and published on the Rails YouTube channel within two weeks. The Opening Keynote goes up the same day.
Is there a livestream?
Yes, the Opening Keynote will be livestreamed. Every other session is recorded and published on the Rails YouTube channel within two weeks, and the Opening Keynote goes up the same day.
Is there a Spotify playlist?
Yes, this year's playlist is a nod to the first US Rails World, with harmonicas, fiddles, banjos and instrumental covers of Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Listen to the Rails World 2026 playlist.
What is the song in the Rails World leader?
Beatbox Harmonica by Yuri Lane. It is the first track on the Rails World 2026 playlist.
Where is the Lightning Track?
Lightning Talks happen on Track 1, the main stage, during lunch and the two 30 minute afternoon breaks. Slots are 12:00 to 12:30, 14:15 to 14:45, and 15:15 to 15:45 both days.
Where do I pick up my swag bag?
At the swag pickup point, which is separate from registration after you enter the venue. We punch your badge when you collect it so we know it has been picked up.
Where can I get my Ruby Passport stamped?
The Ruby Sheriff's Office is this year's twist on the Ruby Embassy, where you can get your passport stamped by the Friendliest Sheriff in the West. Find it in the Sponsor Lounge, next to the silver booths. It runs 11:00 to 16:15 each day.
Bring your Ruby Passport from a previous conference, or get a new one issued on site (limited availability). Sponsored by Avo.
Want to hear a secret?
For the best view of the city, and a good place to get five minutes to yourself, go to The Lookout on the second floor, reachable by elevator.
Where is Game Night?
At The Line Hotel
In the Garnet, Travertine and Quartz rooms, Wednesday Sept 23 from 19:00. Hosted by David Hill, self serve so bring your own games.
What time is the raffle drawn? Where do I drop my raffle ticket?
In the 16:15 to 16:30 break on Track 1, just before the Closing Keynote, on both days.
Your ticket is in your swag bag. Fill it in and drop in the box by the map in the Sponsor Lounge, between Tracks 1 and 2.
I got a Support ticket. What do I get?
It's a surprise, a fun, limited edition nod to Austin and Rails! Ask for it at the swag bag pickup.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible? How much walking is involved?
Yes, the Palmer Events Center is ADA compliant: accessible entrances and parking, elevators to every level, accessible restrooms throughout, and wheelchair seating in the session rooms.
Not much walking is required. The two tracks and the Sponsor Lounge sit close together, with seating throughout. The viewing deck is on the second floor but the elevator goes there.
Are there closed captions?
Yes, closed caption screens are positioned to the left and right of both stages.
What is the Code of Conduct, and who do I tell?
Rails World follows the Ruby community's Code of Conduct, and it applies at every venue connected to Rails World and Rails at Scale. If you have an issue, message Amanda or Melissa in the app, or email world@rubyonrails.org.
What should I do in Austin after the conference?
Our friends at RBQ put together a guide with recommendations, including coworking spots if you need to get some work done around the event. Check the guide here
Who do I contact about anything else?
Email world@rubyonrails.org, or drop your question in #Questions for event organizers in the app chat.